Tonight I stopped in to pick up a few supplements and herbs, and Farah (sorry if I spelled your…read morename wrong) was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Without her guidance, I probably would've spun myself into a little tizzy trying to choose among all the options. I've been going to this store for almost 30 years. I started coming in the second half of the '90s, back when it was a tiny shop a few doors down, before they moved into a larger space. Over the years, I've always found the people there helpful when I need it. Even during the years I lived away from Berkeley, I made a point of stopping in whenever I was back in town -- it's a shop I genuinely love and have continued to return to.

I was going to purchase about $100 worth of herbs as I'm currently on disability , but when…read moredisability called to discuss my case, I simply ducked into their outdoor sheltered area to get a little more quiet - mind you, I WAS NOT IN THE STORE. The owner then sent his bitchy little worker to loudly and forcefully slam the door in my face. My friend still wanted to go in so after my call I went in and apologized for the disturbance. Instead of saying thank you, this mofo has the audacity to say some bull shit about using his store like a phone booth. Don't EVER shop here if you're disabled. They have ZERO compassion. Will NEVER shop here again.

My friend told me about this great spice shop I had to go to, so happy I did!…read moreThey had so much to look at everyone was really welcoming and friendly. Any questions or welcomed I was looking for two particular spices and my daughter wanted some loose tea. The lady that was helping me was so nice. She actually gave me a recipe for one of the spices that was recommended to me. Very excited to go back to Los Angeles and try what we purchased, even more excited to come back to the San Francisco area and come back to this Oaktown spice shop. I found street parking quite easy. They did have 20 minute parking so be careful where you are parked. I found a one hour parking right across the street.

On our stroll of Solano Ave, we stopped by this spice shop. Talk about spices. This shop has an…read moreamazing large selection of spices from all over the world. Two in our group bought several types of spices. The workers were friendly and answered their questions. If you are in need of spices and hard to find spices, you will find it here. I must shop for you home cooks out there.

All. The. Spices! I…read moremay have temporarily lost my sense of smell while so, so excitedly sniffing ALL the scents, but I finally made a decision (with a little help from the nice employees). My favorite so far is the smoked salt because it's so versatile! I also bought a guava jam that looked so divine, but sadly the airport trashed it (I am convinced they just ate it because again...it looked so yummy), so maybe one day I'll try again! I will be back next time I'm in the bay to stock up on more spices.

You'll know you're right at home as soon as you walk through the door. For anybody that's wondered…read morerows of disorganized shelves of stuff all over the place or spots that are less than well kept, look no further. Oaktown Spice Shop is immaculate, well organized, and staffed with folks that are quite passionate about the goods! Also helps that it smells amazing, but it really speaks to the quality of their stuff. If you had any doubts about them, put that to rest and just visit or use their online store! Any foodie worth their salt (hah get it) will be able to appreciate what this place has to offer.

One of the best places to buy spices. It's been a while since I was over to restock my spices but…read moreoh boy. The owner of this shop never lets you down with a warm smile and kind words. As I happen to walk around thinking of what I needed I happen to see he was selling some beaituful Clad pans . Absolutly to die for if you love to cook as I do. This one just happen to have my name on it look at the side when I tell you will never find this price any place else. Support small business all year long that what I do . For of you looking for a great buy on a wonderful clad pan stop in and check them out. And the price will make you not believe what you see. Have look and support this wonderful small family business you will never be disappointed.

Really cool Indian grocery with hard to find Indian groceries, I got some pre packaged meals to put…read moreover rice. They were excellent and a good price.

special place with a special vibe and great teas and herbs. Fun to browse and connect with B.read more

Came in with my mom who seen this place and wanted to look around and we were NOT disappointed!! We…read morewere able to find traditional herbs that we've been looking for, for a long time and were treated very well. The owner was very knowledgeable about different ways to utilize the herbs and all the herbs we inquired about!! We will definitely be back! Our new favorite go to place!!

PROS: -So much selection and specialty foods…read more -FREE Parking lot across the street -Clean Bathrooms- not in the store, but on the premises. -Friendly and knowledgeable staff. -Fresh produce and flowers- locally grown! KEEP IN MIND -It can get BUSY- depending on the time of day and week -with that said, even with the parking lot, it may be full and you'll have to find street parking. -Considering how crowded it can get, navigating around the store can be a little tricky, esp. with a cart. -It can a little overwhelming especially if it's your first time there AND it's busy. I always love coming here! But I go when it's not peak hours bc when it's busy, it's like Costco, so be mentally prepared AND patient- with other customers and the staff.

I never knew about Berkeley Bowl Marketplace until my wife told me about it years ago. We recently…read moretook a friend to BBM, and she was very impressed with their produce and variety. I mean you can find so many different variety of apples, oranges, mushrooms, etc. [From the internet] "Unmatched Variety: The store is celebrated for carrying dozens of varieties of single items--such as 15 different kinds of apples or half a dozen types of artichokes." For example, Chocolate Navel Oranges: a rare citrus tree variety featuring a unique deep bronze-brown rind and sweet, low-acid, bright orange flesh. The taste of a Chocolate Navel Orange is exceptionally sweet, rich, and mellow, often described as a "gourmet" upgrade to a standard orange. Starkrimson Pears: a striking, sweet, and juicy late-summer variety distinguished by its vibrant crimson-red skin and thick, stocky stem. Pink Pearl Apples: a rare heirloom variety featuring translucent, yellow-green skin and a striking, vibrant bright-pink flesh. Crisp and juicy with a tart to sweet-tart taste, offering tangy berry and subtle grapefruit notes. Come check out this local gem! Support your local businesses.

Nice selection of good smelling handmade soaps - I enjoy just looking around here as well as…read moreshopping. They organize their herbs and teas by intention and I find that logical and accessible. Friendly service and tasty tea, recommend coming in if you're looking for a healthy looseleaf tea blend.

I've been shopping at this place for years, and they have had some lovely products. They…read morediscontinued a lot of them recently because of changing laws around certain herbs, but my review today is specifically about their Solomon Islands kava. I bought a bag of it the other day, and I brewed it a couple different times. Times. First I used the blender method and I added some coconut milk and sunflower lecithin because it can increase the extraction of kavalectones. I then then did the traditional hand kneading method, and I started off also using the coconut milk and lecithin, and some warm but not hot water, and I needed it for a good 30 minutes after letting it soak for a half an hour beforehand, and I did get a little bit of the numbing sensation in the mouth from it, but other than that I felt absolutely nothing from it. From it. I go to kava bars regularly and the kava I get from there even from just one shell/ one beverage gives me a stronger feeling than drinking. What would be the equivalent of a tanoa bowl of twisted thistles kava. When I was doing some research on it, I also noticed that it's not listed as a noble kava variety which usually indicates a higher quality product. Their product is clearly very low quality! It's really disappointing. I bought this specific variety too because it's good for helping relax the body and muscles, more so than being heady like other varieties, but it did none of that, and just in case it was only me and my body chemistry having this experience, I also shared it with a friend who had the same lack of feeling from it. From it. Again, both myself and my friend go to kava bars regularly, and definitely can tell the difference! So if you actually want quality kava, you should probably order it directly from the kava bars or find another seller who can guarantee the quality of their product and also sell the noble varieties. Don't waste your money on their kava. I can't speak for a lot of their other products which I'm sure are just fine, but I'm frustrated that I wasted my money on something that is basically useless powder.

Super cute shop with really unique sugars, salts, and spice blends! Very kind store owner and…read moreemployees who helped me find what I was looking for.

Without a doubt, this is one of the more "fun stores" to shop at. The first time I was here I was…read morejust walking by, I came back to really go through the items. I don't know how much time I spent going through the shelves here but it was substantial. I had a great time and came away with fun items but was restricted do to the fact that I was traveling. Good thing for on-line stores. The venue is just so comfortable. It is decorated very well for a very comfortable location. It was a great idea to offer samples of many of their products and that alone helped me pick two of the three items I purchased. The problem was that after tasting, I wanted it all. Again, good thing that there is an on-line presence to purchase items. A couple of my personal favorites were the fish seasoning and anything mixed with salt. (lol) This shop is definitely and plus for the shopping experience. I had an opportunity to speak with the owner, Monique. Such a delightful individual. She was very Helpful and extremely personalble. KUDOs to the team at Old Salt Merchamts

I stopped at this cute shop a few years ago. We were in the area as tourists and found the shop…read moreperfect for the neighborhood. The guy inside was very friendly and gracious. He answered all of our questions as we looked around the shop. He gave us a ton of attention although we were looking around and didn't purchase anything. I hope it is still open the next time I'm in the area because I'd stop in again.

Extremely helpful and friendly. They love to help and answer questions you have about herbs and…read moregetting the most out of them. They have a wide selection of remedies to help you get over drugs in a more natural way versus pills from the doctors. Also having a selection of things to help you have more energy or help to relax is wonderful. Plus they have sexy time herbs for you and your partner along with some really good tea for sexy times or tea to really relax you. The staff is super knowledgable and eggar to share their knowledge. Katie is my favorite, really cool and always offers up great recommendations depending on what I'm looking for.

This compact specialty market has been open for over a year, and I really like how the merchandise…read morereflects local purveyors with no corporate brands. Starting with an arresting blow-up of Italian movie star Monica Vitti behind the checkout, it's a visually pleasing emporium because it's not overcrowded with idiosyncratic products. The wine collection is particularly interesting with labels unknown to me. I've been tempted by the delectables in the Grab & Go section, but I've demurred for the sake of discretion. In fact, having almost no knowledge of any of these products, I only recently bought something here because I want to support them. I got a box of Rooibos tea and a jar of Hawaiian masala (Photo 10). I look forward to buying more in the future, though one thought I had was that this store would benefit from samples. On a previous visit, there was a bakery pop-up in front (Photo 8), and I think more of that activity could encourage more in-store traffic. It'll be interesting to see how this business evolves. RELATED - Exploring Solano Avenue? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/eyjAJU1VZv

I LOVE THIS STORE SO MUCH!!!…read more It's so lovingly & carefully curated with yummy items. I come in every week or so to check out new items. Great selection of gourmet goodies-- I regular go in for snacks, cooking sauces from around the world, ice cream, canned drinks, honey & condiments. Appreciate they have plenty of vegan options. They also have a good selection of wines. The owners & staff are super friendly. They love to chat & answer any questions you have. It's a small but mighty space. Very clean & cheerful (not sure how else to describe it? I always smile when I enter!) SHOP LOCAL AND SUPPORT OUR WONDERFUL SMALL BUSINESSES